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About Arens Publications

Formed in 1954, Arens Publications is a provider of a variety of publishing services. Based in Covington, Ohio, the firm meets various needs of buying and selling of goods and services.

The company publishes classified advertisements on topics, such as accountancy and bookkeeping, appliances, auto detailing, auto services, bank, bar and grill, computer/electronics, decorating and financial. Arens Publications also publish classifieds for real estate, restaurants, roofing, tax services, public services and general retail shopping, to name a few.

Spring cleaning tricks for small businesses and home offices

Being a small-business owner or home-based professional is hard work. Long hours may come with big rewards, but maintaining a clean and well-organized office might just be one of the many sacrifices. Do you think the mess doesn’t matter when it comes to the bottom line? The reality might surprise you.

Productivity and workplace cleanliness are directly related, meaning dust and grime is more than just an eyesore. A clean office produced a 5 percent productivity gain, according to a study conducted by HLW International LLP. What’s more, employee morale and engagement improve when an office is organized and clean, which in turn means higher productivity.

Piles of paper here, folders scattered there and lots of clutter everywhere – the effects of a messy workplace go even further. When office spaces are dirty, germs and viruses spread easily. In particular, touchpoints such as doors, handles, phones, etc. can be a transfer point. When you or one of your team members becomes sick, it can halt productivity for the entire business.

To keep your office clean and productivity pumping, consider these five smart tips and tricks:

1. Stock your cleaning arsenal.

When you have the right cleaning supplies and tools on hand, it’s easier to adopt and stick with a cleaning routine. Some essentials include paper towels, all-purpose spray cleaners, dusters and air deodorizers. Fortunately, you can get everything you need to maintain a clean and tidy office at Staples. Visit www.staples.com to place an order – you can even pick up breakroom essentials like coffee, along with clever office organizational supplies.

2. Wipe once weekly.

Place a bottle of disinfectant wipes at each person’s desk and encourage everyone to wipe weekly. Not only will this prevent dust and food grime from building up, it will also help eliminate germs to keep everyone healthy. Make sure to focus on the phone, keyboard, desk surface and door handle to your office. If your space has a breakroom, wiping it down regularly is equally important.

3. Plan a purge day.

Particularly appropriate during spring cleaning season, planning a purge day is a great way to eliminate clutter and inspire organization. Whether you’re a one-man-shop or have a small team of dedicated employees, set aside a few hours on a particular day to recycle old paperwork, donate dated office supplies and toss broken desk gadgets.

4. Rearrange the workspace.

After the clutter is gone, it’s time to organize. Rethink your file system and use color coding to your advantage. Use storage options to streamline desk space. Invest in ergonomic office supplies to help keep your workforce healthy. Digitize what you can to eliminate excess paperwork.

5. Organize the digital workspace.

Technology is another big consideration when it comes time to clean. Dated files, legacy software and hidden computer viruses can cause digital chaos that cuts productivity quickly. Clean up your technology systems by deleting unnecessary files and software. Buy a backup drive and cloud storage as necessary.

Want more tips for keeping a clean office from the experts at Staples? Visit www.staples.com and prepare for productivity progress.